Southwest 10th Street in Broward County, Florida, stands as a vital artery for regional transportation. This three-mile stretch is not just a road; it’s a crucial link accommodating a diverse range of traffic, from daily commuters and local residents to commercial trucks, freight transport, cyclists, and pedestrians. Serving as a key connection between Interstate 95 (I-95) and the Sawgrass Expressway, 10th Street plays a pivotal role in the region’s infrastructure.
About SW 10th Street Connector Project in Deerfield Beach, Florida
However, the current reality of 10th Street diverges from its original vision. Conceived in the early 1970s as a limited-access regional highway and with land acquisitions in the 1980s supporting this, 10th Street today functions more as an arterial roadway. This transformation has led to significant challenges. The corridor experiences high traffic volumes, far exceeding its intended capacity, resulting in numerous safety incidents. The street is tasked with the dual burden of facilitating long-distance regional travel and serving the immediate needs of local businesses and residential communities.
To address these critical issues, the SW 10th Street Connector Project has been initiated in Deerfield Beach, Florida. This ambitious project proposes a dual-roadway system along the 10th Street corridor.
One component, the SW 10th Street connector lanes, is designed to enhance regional connectivity dramatically. By directly linking the Sawgrass Expressway and I-95, these connector lanes will streamline long-distance travel and alleviate pressure on local streets.
The second component focuses on local needs. Local SW 10th Street will be reimagined as a “Complete Street.” This transformation includes the incorporation of a shared-use path, promoting pedestrian and bicycle traffic, and ensuring seamless connectivity to all adjacent properties and the local road network. This Complete Street approach aims to create a safer and more accessible environment for the local community.
Videos explaining the benefits of the SW 10th Street Connector Project
The synergy between these two roadways is central to the project’s goals. By separating regional through-traffic from local traffic, the SW 10th Street Connector Project aims to achieve several key improvements:
- Traffic Congestion Relief: Separating traffic flows will significantly reduce congestion on both regional and local roadways.
- Enhanced Operational Efficiency: Improved traffic flow will lead to smoother and more efficient transportation operations.
- Improved Safety: Reducing congestion and creating dedicated local access will contribute to a safer environment for all road users.
- Optimized Emergency Evacuation: A more efficient road network will enhance emergency evacuation capabilities, a critical benefit for the region.
Furthermore, the SW 10th Street Connector Project extends beyond the 10th Street corridor itself. The project scope includes crucial improvements to the I-95 interchanges at both SW 10th Street and Hillsboro Boulevard. It also encompasses the completion of the 95 Express lanes within the project boundaries, further contributing to regional traffic flow improvements.
| #### Traffic and Travel Time Benefits |  Thumbnail for video about traffic and travel time benefits of 10th Street Connector Project |
| #### Community Benefits |  Thumbnail for video about I-95 interchange improvements at SW 10th Street |
Project Benefits of the SW 10th Street Connector Improvement
Graphical representation of benefits of the SW 10th Street 10th Street Connector Project
Currently, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) is in the preliminary design phase of the SW 10th Street Connector Project. FDOT is committed to ongoing collaboration throughout the project lifecycle. This includes close coordination with the City of Deerfield Beach, regional municipal partners, local commercial and residential property owners, and all other stakeholders who have an interest in the improvements to 10th Street. This collaborative approach will ensure that the design and construction phases effectively address the needs of the community and region.
Project Schedule for the SW 10th Street Connector Project
